Cotabato City (April 12, 2019) – To meet women’s immediate hygiene needs, iimprove their
mobility and protection, about 957 dignity kits will be distributed to
lactating mothers and pregnant women who are displaced by the recent armed
conflict in Maguindanao.
Through the Ministries of Health and
Social Services, the United Nations Population Fund—the UN’s reproductive
health and rights agency—will hand over dignity kits starting tomorrow, April
13. It aims to secure the safety and promote the well-being of the displced
women and the communities as a whole.
Lori Kato, UNFPA’s country
representative, said that the dignity kits are an integral part of UNFPA’s
assistance to any humanitarian crisis as it is designed to meet the specific
hygiene needs of women and girls of reproductive age.
It includes basic hygiene and
protection items such as sanitary pads, underwear, soap, shampoo, food, water,
flashlights, and whistles.
Official data of social services
ministry show that more than 45,000 individuals have been displaced due to
conflicts across the Bangsamoro autonomous region. The UNFPA estimates that
there could be more than 1,400 pregnant women among the affected population and
around 500 are expected to deliver in the next three months. Moreover, at least
900 women have given birth in the last six months.
“In times of crisis, it is more
important to protect the dignity, safety, and reproductive health of pregnant
and lactating women,” Kato said.
She noted that women do not stop
getting pregnant or delivering babies just because an emergency hits.
Lawyer Raisa Jajurie, minister of
social services, said that on Saturday, April 13, they will distribute the
dignity kits to displaced women in four municipalities – Datu Saudi, Datu
Salibo, Datu Unsay, and Datu Piang.
Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, minister of
health, and Atty. Jajurie led the turn-over ceremony together with Kato on
April 12 (By JONG CADION
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